🎸 Cost of Living in Nashville, Tennessee
Complete 2026 data from official sources | Updated May 2026
Overall vs US Avg
Median Rent (All)
1-Bedroom Rent
No State Income Tax
Nashville offers a unique blend of Southern hospitality, music culture, and a strong job market without the premium price tag of coastal cities. The overall cost of living here is essentially identical to the national average (+0.7%). With no state income tax, Nashville is one of the most tax-friendly cities in America.
Inflation & Price Trends (BLS Data)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Nashville-Davidson-Murfreesboro-Franklin area Consumer Price Index advanced 2.1% over the 12 months ending March 2026.
| All Items | +2.1% |
| Food Index | +2.4% |
| Energy Index | +0.9% |
| All Items Less Food & Energy | +2.1% |
Housing & Rent (2026)
Nashville’s rental market has seen cooling in 2026. As of May 2026, the median rent for all property types in Nashville is $1,820, which is down 4% year-over-year and 7% below the national average.
Average Rent by Unit Type
| Studio Apartment | $1,266 – $1,557 / month |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,500 – $1,580 / month |
| 2-Bedroom Apartment | $1,731 – $1,995 / month |
| 3-Bedroom Apartment | $2,200 – $2,350 / month |
Rent by Neighborhood
| The Gulch | $2,200+ / month |
| Downtown | $2,000 – $2,500 / month |
| Midtown | $1,800 – $2,200 / month |
| Germantown | $1,800 – $2,200 / month |
| East Nashville | $1,600 – $1,900 / month |
| Antioch | $1,300 – $1,500 / month |
| Madison | $1,200 – $1,400 / month |
Groceries & Food (2026)
Food prices in Nashville rose 2.4% over the past year.
| Milk (1 liter) | $1.01 |
| Bread (500g loaf) | $3.63 |
| Eggs (12, large) | $4.31 |
| Chicken breast (1 lb) | $5.65 |
| Local cheese (16 oz) | $7.00 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $4.03 |
| Bananas (1 lb) | $0.62 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $4.25 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $2.25 |
Dining Out
| Fast food combo meal | $11 – $13 |
| Basic lunch in business district | $18 – $22 |
| Dinner for two (mid-range) | $50 – $70 |
| Domestic beer (bar) | $5 – $7 |
| Cappuccino | $4.50 – $5.50 |
Transportation (2026)
WeGo Public Transit operates Nashville’s bus system.
| Single Ride (Local) | $2.00 |
| Day Pass | $5.00 |
| Monthly Pass | $65.00 |
| Gasoline (per gallon) | $3.20 – $3.60 |
| Average Commute Time | 27 minutes |
Income & Salary Requirements (2026)
| Average Annual Salary (All Occupations) | $58,490 / year |
| Entry Level (1-3 years) | $45,000 – $55,000 |
| Senior Level (8+ years) | $75,000 – $95,000 |
| Median Household Income | $74,241 / year |
• Rent (1-bedroom average): $1,500 – $1,580
• Utilities + Internet: $200 – $250
• Groceries: $350 – $450
• Transportation (WeGo pass): $65 – $120
• Healthcare: $120 – $180
• Dining / Entertainment: $250 – $400
Total Monthly: $2,500 – $3,000
Total Annually: $30,000 – $36,000
A single adult should target an annual salary of $55,000 – $65,000 before taxes. Tennessee’s zero state income tax means higher take-home pay compared to states with income tax.